6 things you didn’t know about diabetes

by Sinclair Cares

November is American Diabetes Month and it’s important to know the facts about this often misunderstood illness.

Diabetes is a disease. It places enormous emotional, physical and financial burden on an individual as well as those around them. Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050 unless we take steps to educate, recognize the signs and make a change. Here are six things you probably didn’t know about diabetes.

1. In the last decade, the cases of people living with diabetes jumped almost 50 percent – to more than 29 million Americans.

2. Diabetes kills more Americans each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined-- claiming the life of one American every three minutes.

3. Annually, diabetes costs the American public more than $245 billion.

4. Every 19 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes. That’s more than 32,000 friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members in the next seven days.

5. In the next 24 hours, 4,660 new cases of diabetes will be diagnosed. That’s more than three friends, neighbors, co-workers or family members every minute of every day.

6. In the next 24 hours, more than 130 people will develop kidney failure because of diabetes. That's nearly 50,000 friends, neighbors, co-workers or family members every year.

Unfortunately there is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed. It starts by recognizing the signs, getting tested, and knowing the facts. That along with balancing the food you eat with exercise and medicine (if prescribed) will help you control your weight and can keep your blood glucose in the healthy range. This can help prevent or delay complications. Many people with diabetes live long and healthful lives.

Sinclair Broadcasting is committed to the health and well-being of our viewers, which is why we’re introducing Sinclair Cares. Every month we’ll bring you information about the “Cause of the Month,” including topical information, education, awareness and prevention. Here’s a look at what causes are coming up: